IPL 2026 schedule announced

The IPL 2026 first-phase schedule has been revealed. The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are set to host the 2016 edition winner, Sunrisers Hyderabad, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on March 28 in the tournament opener. On Wednesday, the tournament’s first-phase schedule—which includes the first 20 matches until April 12—was announced.

The schedule of the rest of the season will be announced only after the election dates are announced for the states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam. 

On the opening Sunday (March 29) of the tournament, 5-time champions Mumbai Indians will take on 3-time winner Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. On the very next day, Chennai Super Kings will take on Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati—an interesting battle that will feature Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja facing their former franchises following the off-season trade that also involved Sam Curran.

IPL 2025 runners-up, Punjab Kings, will start their campaign against Gujarat Titans at Mullanpur on March 31, while Axar Patel-led Delhi Capitals will start their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1 at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. 

The week will end with doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday, including the marquee match of CSK vs RCB on April 5 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, RCB vs MI will be played on April 12 at the Wankhede Stadium. 

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has already said that the tournament will be played until May 31. Fans are now waiting for the start of the IPL 2026. 

IPL 2026 phase-1 schedule